I’ve been writing this month about some of the beautiful markets I’ve been fortunate to visit around the world. This week, it’s wishful thinking: I’m posting about the wonderful Christmas markets in Europe, one of which I’d love to visit someday. The Christmas markets appeal to me in the same way that I love attending a carol-filled church service, or building a snowman on the front lawn – a beautiful reminder of a simpler time.

How could anyone pass up the Christmas market in Dresden, Germany, which boasts a four-ton fruitcake? I like fruitcake, but even by my standards that's a lot. The cake is carried through town by a procession of pastry chefs before being brought to the central market to be divvied up and sold. The Dresden market also features the world's largest nutcracker and a host of carved wooden toys and puppets. This festival has been running continuously since 1434, making it the oldest in the world.

Munich has one of the most famous German markets. Imagine a hundred-foot tall tree, decorated and standing in the middle of the Marienplatz, the main city square. A brass band and carolers entertain the crowd nightly from the town hall at the front of the square. And craft markets abound, featuring the most beautiful of German handiwork.

The German markets are the most traditional, but could anything be more magical than Christmastime at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens? As at most of the markets, native crafts are sold in small booths. But Tivoli also offers a lovely outdoor skating rink and a toboggan run for the young, and mulled wine for the adults. Stunning ice sculptures in holiday themes adorn the park for everyone to enjoy.

This is my last post before Christmas. I’d like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, whether you spend it far from home or in your own living room. May you be blessed with the peace, joy and love that come with the true meaning of Christmas.

I've never been to one of these Christmas markets, it must be loads of fun. I imagine it must totally inspire a person with the spirit of the holiday.Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.*kisses* HH

Germans have a special way to celebrate Christmas and Munich is a beautiful city. Merry Christmas to you Beth and wish to you more trips, more new experiences. After all these memories stay with us for our entire life.

I've been to Christmas markets in Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt and Prague--they're wonderful! With your hands and face going numb you hurry from stall to stall, trying gluhwein and hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks in it. There are lights everywhere and steam coming from all the stalls. I can't wait to go back!